China pushes SAM for export [SOFEX16D3]

12 May 2016

China Aerospace Long-March International (Hall 3, Stand B 301) is marketing its FN-16 man-portable surface-to-air missile (SAM) as a standalone low-level air defence system, or as part of a layered system to engage air targets from low to high altitude.

According to the prime contractor, the FN-16 SAM is of the fire-and-forget type and is fitted with a dual-mode uv/ir homing head, which is claimed to be highly resistant to countermeasures such as those deployed by fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.

FN-16 is quoted as having an interception range from 10m up to 4,000m in altitude, and between 500m and 6,000m in range. Single-shot kill (SSK) capability against fixed-wing aircraft is being quoted as 0.8, while the SSK against cruise missiles is quoted as 0.7.

In addition to the standard sighting system, the missile can be fitted with an optical sight, night sight as well as an identification friend or foe capability.

Apart from the man-portable version, a number of more mobile self-propelled versions have been developed, including one similar to the US Boeing Avenger, which has a one-person turret with four FN-16 SAMs, mounted on a 4x4 cross-country chassis.